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Knowledge and Attitudes of Dentists with Respect to the Risks of Blood-Borne Pathogens—A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Garus-Pakowska

    (Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-647, Poland)

  • Mariusz Górajski

    (Department of Econometrics, University of Lodz, Lodz 90-214, Poland)

  • Franciszek Szatko

    (Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-647, Poland)

Abstract

Background : To analyze dentists’ knowledge of blood-borne infections, their attitudes towards infected patients, and to determine the frequency of the contact with infectious material; Methods : We surveyed 192 dentists using an anonymous questionnaire. Results : Only a quarter of dentists responded correctly to all questions. 96% of the examined dentists confirmed that they were more cautious during treatment of patients with HBV, HCV and HIV. 25% of all respondents refuse to help infected patients due to concerns about their own health. The dentists occasionally removed protective clothing to make it “easier” to perform specific procedures. The dentists experienced contact with infectious material most frequently by splashes onto the conjunctiva or as a result of superficial injuries. The risk of injury by a medical tool increased with the years of employment. Re-capping needles was associated with an increased risk of injury; Conclusions : Despite the widespread tolerance of people infected with blood-borne viruses and the well-proven low infection risk to medical personnel, dentists continue to be prejudiced and concerned about their own health and may refuse to treat infected patients. It may be assumed that the proportion of refusing treatment is even greater. This attitude should imply the implementation of training in the field of pathogen transmission and the real risk of infection.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Garus-Pakowska & Mariusz Górajski & Franciszek Szatko, 2017. "Knowledge and Attitudes of Dentists with Respect to the Risks of Blood-Borne Pathogens—A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:1:p:69-:d:87607
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Anna Garus-Pakowska & Mariusz Górajski & Ewelina Gaszyńska, 2018. "Occupational Safety and Hygiene of Dentists from Urban and Rural Areas in Terms of Sharp Injuries: Wound Structure, Causes of Injuries and Barriers to Reporting—Cross-Sectional Study, Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-10, August.
    2. Daifang Wang & Yan Ye & Qiang Zheng, 2020. "Cost of Blood and Body Fluid Occupational Exposure Management in Beijing, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-12, June.
    3. Anna Garus-Pakowska & Magdalena Ulrichs & Ewelina Gaszyńska, 2018. "Circumstances and Structure of Occupational Sharp Injuries among Healthcare Workers of a Selected Hospital in Central Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-9, August.

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